Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought. There are two degrees of murder.  All murder perpetrated by means of destructive devices including weapons of mass destruction, bombs or other explosives, poison, lying in wait, torture or by any other kind of willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing is murder of the first degree.  In addition, any murder which is committed in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of arson, rape, carjacking, robbery, burglary, mayhem, kidnapping, train wrecking, specific forcible sex crimes, or by discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle at another person outside of the vehicle with the intent to kill them is also murder in the first degree.  All other kinds of murders are of the second degree.

First degree murder is punishable by death, imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole, or imprisonment for a term of 25 years to life.  Second degree murder is punishable by imprisonment for 15 years to life; however, if the victim was a peace officer, second degree murder can be punishable by 25 years to life or by life without the possibility of parole.  If a person convicted of second degree murder has previously served a prison term for murder, they may be punished by imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole.

Trust us to fight on your behalf. Campbell & Jayne LLP are experienced professionals who want to represent you. We are San Francisco's premier criminal defense firm committed to providing each client with personalized and outstanding representation. We have experience representing clients both in California courts and federal court.

As former prosecutors, we bring extensive trial experience and a unique insight into the courtroom. Our backgrounds give our clients a great advantage as we work to strategize his or her defense.

We represent individuals in all criminal cases in the Bay Area including San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Marin, Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties. If you are being investigated for or have been charged with murder, contact us today to represent you.

Related Links :
CA Office of Attorney General
RAND CA Community Statistics
Victims' Compensation and Government Claims Boards

>> Back to Practice Areas